Scotland’s Thousands of Years of Abstract Art

Artist Kenneth Dingwall presents Scotland’s Thousands of Years of Abstract Art at City Art Centre on Thursday 18 February 2027, running from 2pm to 3pm with free admission.

The talk connects Dingwall’s own development as an abstract artist with much older Scottish forms cut and drawn into stone, bone, and ceramics.

Key Event Details

What The Talk Covers

Dingwall trained at Edinburgh College of Art in the mid-1950s, when his studies focused on the human figure and still life. He has described encountering abstract forms in the former National Museum of Antiquities as an important point in the development of his own approach to art.

The session looks at the impact of those historic objects and at Dingwall’s view that making and understanding art involves more than sight alone. It should work well for visitors interested in Scottish art history, contemporary abstraction, and the way older visual traditions can feed into modern practice.

Venue & Booking

The event takes place at the City Art Centre, directly opposite Waverley Station on Market Street. Admission is free, but the event has a booking link, so reserving a place is sensible.

Use the official event listing for booking and any updates.

Getting There

City Art Centre is one of the easiest central venues to reach by public transport. Waverley Station is across the road, and Princes Street bus and tram stops are a short walk away.

The talk lasts one hour, so it can also fit neatly into a wider afternoon visit to the Old Town or central galleries.

Our Tips

• Book a free place in advance rather than assuming walk-in space will be available.
• Arrive a few minutes early, as the talk starts at 2pm.
• Pair the session with another central gallery or museum visit if you are building a full afternoon around it.